Past Blog Entries
"From the Desktop of John J. Trakselis" is a weekly series of coaching essays by John featuring original content on a range of topics and issues targeted to CEOs, senior executives and other business professionals.
From the Desktop of John J. Trakselis
CCEOC Blog Archive
UNWILLING, UNABLE, UNWORTHY
When confronted with a challenge or opportunity we often have three negative thoughts running through our heads:
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The Number One Thing we should all Strive to do
In the last month I have followed Vistage speaker Vince Langley’s suggestion to set aside ten minutes a day to do nothing but sit with my thoughts.
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We (too) Shall Overcome
The title of this essay, with slight modification, is the name of a beautiful American spiritualthat has provided hope, inspiration and encouragement to many over the years.
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What is your Value Proposition?
Actually there are two types of value propositions. The first is what you offer the world and how your stakeholders value what you have to sell.
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The Value of Operating Agreements
I have been bumping into the topic of operating agreements a lot lately. This tells me the timing is right for a discussion on this concept.
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Accountability: Do it Right the First Time
Many people talk about accountability. What is accountability and what does it look like? In the last year we heard from a number of public officials who oversaw failed government initiatives or departments.
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Cooperation and Collaboration
Do you remember some of the old Western movies where the good guy faces down the bad guys? I think the image of the lone gunslinger is a part of our American culture, but if you look at those western shoot ‘em up movies again, you would notice the presence of someone who assisted our hero in accomplishing his task.
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Are you Committed or Merely Involved?
I once heard the story about the difference between the behavior of a pig and a chicken at breakfast. The chicken is involved. The pig is committed. Are you involved in the game of life or are you really committed?
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Look for Meaning in Everything You Do
Viktor Frankl got it right when it came to inspiring us to commit to living life with dignity and purpose – no matter what our circumstances may bring. My take on his core teaching is to look inside ourselves for our “why.”
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Avoidance is not a Viable Strategy
Contrary to generally-accepted folklore, an ostrich does not put its head in the sand to hide. The truth is an ostrich will stick its head in the sand to find sand or pebbles to aid in digestion or to take in water.
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Handoffs are the Key to Successful Execution
The Doctors Company, the nation's largest physician-owned medical malpractice insurer, has got it right in theory and I would bet they get handoffs right when it comes to execution too.
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Overcoming Procrastination
Do you procrastinate? Often we spend a lot of time coming to grips with a decision or an action on the horizon. I think it is normal to let things linger.
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Empower your Inner Warrior
In reality, I believe all of us operate on a spectrum between not having a clue and absolute certainty. We always have at least a little indication, and we are never absolutely sure.
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What do you want?
What is it that you want? The list of possibilities is endless but it has to be your list, not mine, and not that of your boss, friends, significant other, or your kids, parents, grandparents or others.
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Dealing with Disappointment
Rejection, turndown, denial, dismissal, elimination, snub – all are disappointments, all hurt in their own way. When you are the recipient of someone’s actions that upset and frustrate, you may feel you have been treated unfairly or inappropriately or judged negatively or harshly.
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The Dilemma of Making Decisions
Decisions, decisions, decisions. As much as we are challenged to make decisions, we may be spending equal or more time procrastinating when it comes to rendering them.
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How to be (More) Relevant
Our words and actions affect others, but not always in a constructive manner. This blog entry addresses the critical connection between building relationships and optimizing outcomes.
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